May 22, 2006

Memorial Day dedication planned for new Veteran’s Plaza

The Catholic cemeteries of the Diocese of Buffalo will dedicate the newly constructed Veteran’s Plaza on Memorial Day at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore.

The Mass and dedication will be held on the mall in front of Holy Family Chapel Mausoleum near the main entrance to the cemetery. Msgr. Francis Weldgen, pastor of St. Christopher Parish in the Town of Tonawanda and a member of the Cemetery Board, will be the main celebrant at the Mass and dedication that will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

“The plaza is designed to honor our veterans,” said Carmen Colao, diocesan director of Catholic cemeteries. “We have constructed a granite altar, the area is large enough to accommodate up to 300 people, and we hope that this Mass will continue to be a Memorial Day tradition at Mount Olivet. It is our way of remembering to the men and women who have served this great nation.”

Along with the American flag, six other flags will fly over the plaza, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines.

Families of veterans who are buried or interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery will have the opportunity to have their loved ones names placed on granite panels that will be placed along the sides of the plaza.

Mount Olivet Cemetery is located at 4000 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore, near the Elmwood Avenue entrance to the I-290.

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NOTE: Limited seating will be provided in the plaza. Worshipers are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.